SouthShore should support the Transportation Referendum

By Michael Peterson

Printed: Observer News, Sept. 30, 2010
http://www.theobservernews.com/fp/obs/index.html?pageNumber=23

            There’s been a lot of talk lately about a ‘light rail tax,’ but the transportation referendum is about much more than rail.  The proposed funding will provide a variety of improvements including roadways, bikeways, walkways and much more; all in addition to the major transit overhaul receiving most of the attention.

            SouthShore residents would soon see improved local bus service throughout our communities.  Also, special ‘flex’ areas are slated for Gibsonton, Ruskin, Sun City Center and Wimauma.  New express buses to Tampa are proposed for U.S. 41 and U.S. 301.  Today’s anemic bus service could blossom into effective transportation for so many more.

            But perhaps the biggest and quickest delivery of SouthShore’s tax benefits comes not with buses, not with rail, but with significant road projects.  Consider the following:

• 1-75/Gibsonton Drive interchange improvements changing ramp layout and allowing safe, efficient access, $25 million
• I-75/Big Bend Road interchange improvements changing ramp layout and allowing safe, efficient access, $40 million
• New I-75 interchange somewhere between 19^th Avenue and Rhodine Road.  Referendum would fund $35 million (about 1/3 of cost).
• Widen U.S. 301 to six lanes from SR 674 to Balm Road.  Referendum would fund $25 million (1/2 cost).
• Sun City Center roadway improvements, repair existing sidewalks, roadway regional drainage system, and new golf cart lanes, $8 million.
• 19^th Avenue and Shell Point Road resurface and add paved shoulders/bike lanes (U.S. 301 to EG Simmons Park; 32^nd Street to 21^st Street and connectors), $9 million
• Widen Big Bend Road to six lanes from I-75 northbound exit off-ramp to Simmons Loop Road, $5.5 million.

Why a sales tax?

Somehow, necessary road improvements must be funded, and no one wants to see higher property taxes.  By leveraging a sales tax, which does not apply to groceries or medicine and is capped at the first $5,000 of major purchases, the cost burden is shared with tourists and reflects a minor increase on goods purchased.

Benefits beyond improved mobility

            We know other communities with enhanced transit offerings caused private development to follow the routes.  For each $1 spent on transit, as much as $6 is generated in returns, spurring the creation of tens of thousands of jobs.  These economic benefits alone will make our investment well worth every penny.

What’s in it for you?

            Transportation improvements for all of Hillsborough County exist for your viewing on www.movinghillsboroughforward.org.  By clicking “The Plan,” you can view the details of plans for your neighborhood or the entire county.

What’s the alternative?

            Of course, others will tell you now is not the right time to proceed.  They echo their opposition to the “Committee of 99” report from over a decade ago, which recommended what this referendum again attempts to deliver.  And what is their alternative plan to resolve our transportation needs?  Nothing.  Just another decade lost – doing nothing – as our congestion and economic woes continue.

            We can and must do better.  Hillsborough County’s Transportation Task Force, made up of 21 people appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to represent diverse areas and interests, spent more than three years developing the plan behind this ballot question.  Let’s not wait any longer.  Join me and vote “FOR” the transportation referendum on Nov. 2.

Michael L. Peterson, Esq. is a 30-year Apollo Beach resident and businessman.